Former Excise Commissioner flags corruption in dept, CPI(M) alleges minister's involvement

Former Keralam Excise Commissioner Seeram Sambasiva Rao reported corruption and bribery allegations to the State government just before his dismissal, according to officials. The report detailed how Excise Minister M. Liju was acquainted with one of the bar owners involved in illicit transactions. S. Vinod, a former Joint Excise Commissioner, allegedly maintained close ties with the bar owner and acted as a liaison for the establishment, demanding a monthly payment of ₹30,000 and receiving ₹50,000 for approving the bar's licence.

The report also accused Alappuzha Deputy Commissioner Ajay of demanding bribes from a bar owner in Kattachira, Kayamkulam, and mentioned an alleged ₹20,000 payment for renewing the bar's licence after Onam. Rao recommended immediate removal and transfer of Vinod and Ajay, and a Vigilance inquiry into the allegations of disproportionate assets and bribery.

The CPI(M) State secretary alleged that the report pointed to the minister's involvement in the corruption, and questioned the minister's relationship with both officials and bar owners.